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Tree-lichen Beauty

Cryphia algae

Tree-lichen Beauty is a beautiful moth that loves to rest on tree bark. Its wings look like the lichen on trees, helping it hide from predators. This makes it a special friend of the forest!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Tree-lichen Beauty is a small, mottled grey, green, and white moth with wings that strikingly mimic the texture and colour of tree lichen. Its irregular wing patterns and frilly edges help it blend seamlessly with bark. This incredible camouflage makes it almost invisible on lichen-covered trees.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNoctuidaeGenusCryphia
Tree-lichen Beauty
lichen trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Tree-lichen Beauty

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult Tree-lichen Beauty moths don't eat at all! They live off energy stored as caterpillars.

Look closely! Sometimes actual tiny fungi grow on their wings, adding to their disguise!

Their caterpillars change color as they grow, perfectly matching the lichen they munch on!

This tiny moth belongs to a family called 'owlet moths,' known for many larger species!

Special abilities

Ability

Masters of Disguise

Tree-lichen Beauty can disappear against tree bark because its wings have intricate patterns that perfectly mimic lichen, helping them avoid predators.

Ability

Lichen Munchers

Tree-lichen Beauty caterpillars have a specialized diet because they can digest and thrive exclusively on tree lichens, a food source few other insects use.

Ability

Night Navigator

Tree-lichen Beauty can fly safely at night because its excellent night vision allows it to navigate and find mates in the dark, avoiding diurnal predators.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-32 mm
Size
12-16 mm
Lifespan
250-365 days
Flight Speed
5-15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on tree lichens, while adult moths do not feed.

Age differences: Larvae consume lichens, while adult moths do not feed, relying on stored energy from their larval stage.

Primary Foods

  • Crustose lichens
  • Foliose lichens
  • Tree lichens

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Common Pipistrelle

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Eats adult moths flying at night.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Forages for larvae and adult moths on bark.

eats

Common Orange Lichen

Xanthoria parietina

Larvae feed on this and other tree lichens.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch moths from a distance and don't touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tree-lichen Beauty's wingspan?

25-32 mm

How big is Tree-lichen Beauty?

12-16 mm

How long does Tree-lichen Beauty live?

250-365 days

How fast can Tree-lichen Beauty fly?

5-15 km/h

What does Tree-lichen Beauty eat?

Caterpillars munch on tree lichens, while adult moths do not feed.

Where is Tree-lichen Beauty usually found?

Forests

How does Tree-lichen Beauty hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Tree-lichen Beauty have?

6

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